PICKING UP A STONE OF OFFENSE

PICKING UP A STONE OF OFFENSE
Kriston Couchey

And whosoever shall be a stumbling block (stone) to one of these little ones that believe in me, it would be better for him if a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea. ~Jesus~

Jesus is referred to as the stone which causes unbelieving men to stumble. The previous verse describes offense of another kind that is sin. Sin that is a stone of offense that causes another to to stumble or be taken captive to sin and error themselves. I want to take the metaphor even further to what "picking up a stone of offense" is. When someone is sinned against they have a choice; they can forgive and let go what has happened to them, or they can "pick up the stone" and take on the offense. This is not about allowing someone to continue to offend. In many cases it is important to not be in a situation to be sinned against. This is about releasing the stone into the hands of Father.

HIDDEN STONES
There are many who claim the name of Jesus walking around carrying a stone of offense. Offense that has come from religion in general, or offense from a loved one or friend who has betrayed or sinned against them in some manner. Many people who carry a stone of offense do not realize it. They live and act out of their hurt; turning to blatant sin, or they take the offense with them in ministry. Carrying a hidden stone into ministry twists the anointing to serve self and causes even more offense.

I personally went to the Bible school of my church denomination with a prophetic word and a heart to serve God. There were strict legalistic rules there, and the moral activities of the students and some staff were no better then the world's. I became upset and rebelled. Many students never picked up offense and went on the serve God. But, I picked up a hidden stone and did not even know it.

I graduated with a degree in World Missions after cramming a four year degree into seven years. But, my heart was in deep rebellion. I left Bible school addicted to cigarettes and pornography, frequenting bars and smoking pot. I did not know how offended I was by my experience until someone suggested I attend a church from that denomination. I shouted an angry expletive with a vile curse upon that denomination. The person was shocked, and so was I. Was I really that upset?

The hurt finally came out in a new attenders meeting at a local church. As I shared my name and a little about me I began sobbing and wept uncontrollably as I heard words come out of my mouth confessing the hurt and pain I had over my Bible school experience. They were shocked. I finally realized I had picked up offense over what I had experienced at Bible school. Father was gracious and a visitation from the Lord brought restoration, healing, and release of the stone into the hands of Father.

And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another,and shall hate one another. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. ~Jesus~

This verse describes the state of the church today. Like myself, many have taken offense at the hypocrisy of religion. The ranks of atheists and agnostics are filled with those offended by men and women representing Christ but acting like the devil. The emergent and organic church movement's numbers are swelled with disenchanted, hurt, and offended people who were given a raw deal in the halls of religion. Thousands of offended have stopped going to church altogether. Heresy hunting "ministries" are motivated by and continue to sniff out offense from the excesses and evils of a church acting like the world. Independent churches, angry prophets, denominations, and major church movements are birthed out of hurt and offense over mistreatment in the church.

PERSONAL STONES
Woe unto the world because of offenses! For it must needs be that offenses come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes! ~Jesus~
Many have picked up stones from personal offenses from family or friends who have in some way let them down. In my rebellion years, I unwisely entered into a marriage that failed. After the visitation from the Lord I found our relationship disintegrating. We worked together in the same company and it was there that she left me for another man. The hardest days of my life were going to work everyday knowing she and her boyfriend were there. I had such hurt and anger I could hardly stand it. The Holy Spirit prompted me one day to talk to the other man. I chose to obey and told the man, "I love you Bob, (not real name) I don't agree with what you are doing, but I want you to know I love you and forgive you because God loves and forgives me." Father took that stone out of my hands that day and I began to heal.

STONES MULTIPLY
A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city, and their contentions are like the bars of a castle. ~Solomon~

When you pick up a stone it is easy to pick up more from the same offender or anyone else who does not measure up to your expectations. Many times when one is offended it does not matter what others do, the stone taints their perspective. No person or institution that has offended them can do right. I have seen bitter offended people go deep into deception. Most deception is more along the lines of simply believing you are right and all others are wrong.

Believing everyone else is wrong can make you think you are the Elijah to come that speaks words of judgment and woe to the evil church and the evil world. Anger and offense can make a person and their buddy think they are the "two witnesses" proclaiming wrath and judgment on an unrepentant earth. In their offended minds, God is bent on wrath over the wrongs of men and He is now fed up with people to the point of no more chances. While it is true God does have wrath testified to in scripture, the offended person is not speaking the heart and mind of Father, they are speaking their own heart and judgments. And yet, they are convinced that they are God's closest friend while in reality they are misrepresenting Him.

ROOTING OUT OFFENSE
As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world (AGE).The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend (those causing to stumble), and them which do iniquity... ~Jesus~

The end of the age brings with it a purging. The purging is of those who are causing offense. It is also brings a healing from offense for those who will allow Father to release them from their agony. The sad fact is those who are offended usually become offenders themselves. Father has great mercy and is bringing a move of repentance and reconciliation to the earth. It is a time for those who have been offending to repent and change, and those offended to get healing. We are about to see a move of the Holy Spirit bring this repentance and healing. Today is the day of salvation and restoration to Father; and to our brothers and sisters.

FATHER'S GREAT LOVE
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless those that curse you, do good to those that hate you, and pray for those who speak evil about you, and persecute you... ~Jesus~

There are times we have to make a choice to love and pray for one who is being an offense to us. It is Father's love alone that releases us from the stone of offense. It is love that covers a multitude of sins. Father is looking for those who will not be offended by the sin of individuals, the church, and the world; and and be a light to them of His love. But we must first die to our self and it's desire to react to the sin of others. It is selfish pride that picks up offense, a DEAD MAN cannot be offended. We must offer ourselves as living sacrifices to Him and embrace His great love for us that brings healing and forgiveness for others.

It is important to approach our Father with a faith in His love and goodness in order to receive the healing we need from Him. His Love brings healing that will release us from the our states of deception. In His unconditional love for those who will in faith receive it, there is a glory that changes our perception of Him and of our brothers and sisters. He wants to impart to us a Love that has brokenness for His people. A love that lays down our life for those who would even try to kill us.

In Him
Kriston Couchey
http://my.opera.com/Boanerges/blog/